Pick 6: OU's Brown, Texas' Williams among top OL in '17

You are here

Share

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2016, file photo, Texas lineman Connor Williams (55) blocks against West Virginia lineman Christian Brown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Austin, Texas. The 6-6, 320-pound junior is the best player on an offensive line that has experienced players but needs better overall play. Remarkably, Texas has not had an offensive lineman drafted since 2008. Williams is likely to break that string. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2016, file photo, Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey, left, tries to hold back Southern California defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Los Angeles. McGlinchey is a mountain at 6-foot-8 and 312 pounds, with potential to be the first offensive lineman taken in next year's draft. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2016, file photo, Oklahoma offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Ames, Iowa. At 6-7 and 340, Brown took a big leap forward from his redshirt freshman season to last year in fundamentals and technique. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2015, file photo, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass as Clemson offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) blocks Wofford defensive lineman Steven Cornellier (95) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Clemson, S.C. Hyatt was a huge recruit who has been starting since his freshman season. He has been made steady progress from solid in 2015 to very good in 2016. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

"I think the first round is going to be loaded with tackles and guards," Cubelic said about next year's draft.

Mike McGlinchey, OT, and Quinton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish are hoping the left side of their line can help lead a turnaround from last season's 4-8 mess. McGlinchey is a mountain at 6-foot-8 and 312 pounds, with potential to be the first offensive lineman taken in next year's draft.

The 6-5, 330-pound Nelson is a dominant run blocker. "He's an absolute mauler," Cubelic said.

Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

The Sooners have to replace some top-flight talent at running back and wide receiver, but the offensive line should make life easy on the new playmakers. Brown is the leader. At 6-7 and 340, Brown took a big leap forward from his redshirt freshman season to last year in fundamentals and technique. Athletically, he has all the tools. "He is your elite, prototypical tackle frame," Cubelic said.

Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson

Hyatt was a huge recruit who has been starting since his freshman season. He has been made steady progress from solid in 2015 to very good in 2016. This season the Tigers expect him to be one of the best offensive linemen in the country and a leader of an offense that will have plenty of new faces at the skill positions.

Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

Rankin is a junior college transfer who redshirted his first season with the Bulldogs in 2015. He needed some time to develop last season, but by the end of 2016 he was showing star potential. "He has some nasty when he gets latched on," Cubelic said.

Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas

How important is Frank Ragnow to the Razorbacks? Arkansas coach Bret Bielema held his center out of full-contact scrimmages this spring to preserve a key asset. Ragnow is a three-year starter who passed on a chance to jump into the NFL draft after last season when he graded out as the top offensive lineman in the country by Pro Football Focus.

Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Williams has grown into his massive frame during his two seasons at Texas while retaining quickness and athleticism. The 6-6, 320-pound junior is the best player on an offensive line that has experienced players but needs better overall play. Remarkably, Texas has not had an offensive lineman drafted since 2008. Williams is likely to break that string.